DENMARK’S NINA PALESA BONDE: RACISM AND FALSE ACCUSATIONS UNMASKED

FREE SPEECH OR TARGETED HATE? MY RESPONSE TO PETER RIBER’S EMAIL

RECEIVED: EMAIL FROM PETER RIBER

Sender: Peter Riber ([email protected])
Date: October 21, 2024
Time: 21:28

As someone who values open dialogue and diverse perspectives, I have always believed in the importance of free speech, even when the words being spoken are difficult to hear. Recently, however, I received an email from an individual named Peter Riber, a message that went beyond simple disagreement and ventured into the realm of explicit hate speech. The words he chose to share made me pause—not just because of the sting of his attack but because it revealed a harsh reality of what it means to be an advocate for truth in today’s polarized world. Here is an excerpt from his email, which landed in my inbox. The Skaales speech he is referring to will be found here. :

“Jeg har læst dit skamfulde blog-indlæg om vores folketingspolitiker S. Sjaale som du historieløst sammenligner med Hitler… Jeg har ikke andet end dyb forundring over, at sådan grim inder som dig, ikke smutter hjem til muslimo-land, hvor du kan leve det elendige liv du drømmer om… Fis af, du er uønsket.”

A DIRECT ATTACK ON MY IDENTITY

When I read these words, I felt a mixture of anger, disappointment, and frustration. I understand that critique is a natural part of putting yourself and your work in the public eye. But this wasn’t simply a critique; it was a verbal attack laced with hatred towards my ethnicity, religion, and right to exist in this country. To be dismissed in such a derogatory way by someone who felt emboldened to send this message is a painful reminder that free speech is sometimes used as a shield for hate speech.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH—WHERE DO WE DRAW THE LINE?

Denmark prides itself on being a nation that upholds the values of free expression. But is this the kind of discourse we envision under that banner? Free speech should never be a justification for hate, nor should it be a vehicle for discrimination against someone based on their race, religion, or cultural background.

By addressing this incident openly, I am not only standing up for myself but for everyone who faces similar attacks. This is not just a matter of personal hurt—it’s a matter of public accountability. Freedom of speech comes with responsibility, a responsibility that requires us to speak out when that freedom is abused.

SEEKING ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEGAL RECOURSE

I have decided to report this incident to the authorities, as such language is not only harmful but also crosses into illegal territory under Danish laws against discrimination and hate speech. The notion that someone feels entitled to demean another person’s identity in this manner is unacceptable. I am committed to seeing this through and am currently in the process of filing a formal complaint against Peter Riber for his blatant breach of legal boundaries that protect individuals from targeted harassment based on ethnicity and religion.

STANDING STRONG

FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS

This post is not just about me; it’s about everyone who has faced discrimination, everyone who has felt the sting of hateful words masked as “free speech.” I hope that by sharing this experience, I can contribute to a larger conversation about respect, empathy, and the true meaning of freedom of expression. Peter Riber’s email was meant to silence and belittle, but instead, it has reinforced my commitment to advocate for the rights of those who are marginalized.

Let this serve as a reminder: free speech is a privilege, and it should never be wielded as a weapon of hate.

DENMARK’S STRUGGLE WITH RACISM

A PERSONAL REFLECTION ON FREE SPEECH AND INTOLERANCE

Living in Denmark—the land of Hans Christian Andersen and progressive values—I once felt that this country was the epitome of acceptance and freedom. But after experiencing racism and Islamophobia firsthand, I now see Denmark through a different lens. A recent letter I received, written with shocking disregard for humanity, has forced me to question Denmark’s commitment to inclusivity and free speech. The writer, Peter, left no stone unturned in his disdain, using my ethnic background, faith, and even sexuality as reasons why I don’t belong here, suggesting that I “return to my homeland.” The message was cruel, hurtful, and unapologetic in its tone.

WHEN PUBLIC FIGURES AND THEIR SUPPORTERS FUEL HATE

It’s disheartening to see people in positions of influence, like Nina Palesa Bonde, not directly but indirectly involved as the fuel behind such reactions from her followers. After I shared a blog post that openly criticized certain political figures, Nina made a social media post suggesting that her followers stand up to critiques like mine. Her post, aimed at defending “Danish values” and perhaps intended to rally support for free speech, has instead highlighted the contrasting experiences of minorities in Denmark, bringing forward voices that question whether these values are applied fairly and inclusively. That post set off a cascade of hateful messages, and Peter’s email was only one of many attacks I’ve received since. What makes this even more painful is that Nina, instead of reaching out to me directly, chose to voice her anger publicly, encouraging a one-sided narrative that fostered hostility.

FEELING TARGETED IN A COUNTRY THAT CELEBRATES “FREE SPEECH”

In Denmark, free speech is held as an emblem of democracy. But where is the line when free speech crosses into harassment and hate? For minorities like myself, freedom of speech seems to serve as a defense for those expressing Islamophobia and racism. Should Denmark, a country known for its fairytale ideals and open-mindedness, tolerate intolerance in the name of free speech? While Denmark’s image to the world is one of inclusion, the reality for many of us who are different—who don’t fit into a traditional mold—is a harsh reminder that inclusion here often comes with unspoken conditions. so the big question, when Im born here and lived all my life, product of Western workability, my father came as “fremmedarbejder”, can I just go home?

THE POWER OF WORDS

A CALL FOR TRUE INCLUSIVITY IN DENMARK

This personal experience isn’t just about one letter or one person’s words. It’s about Denmark as a whole. It’s about how freedom of speech is sometimes twisted to excuse hate speech, and how public figures like Nina, with large platforms, can unintentionally fuel these flames by not acknowledging the impact of their words. It’s about the sense of alienation that minorities face when their own faith, background, or identity becomes a target of casual intolerance.

In the spirit of Hans Christian Andersen, whose fairytales speak of acceptance and compassion, I hold out hope. Hope that Denmark will not just celebrate freedom in words but also in actions, ensuring every citizen feels valued and safe. I want this Denmark to be one where people like me feel genuinely welcome, where I can live without fear of verbal attacks, and where I am not singled out as “the other” because of my background.

I share this story not as a complaint, but as a call for reflection. Denmark’s legacy is one of beauty, openness, and kindness. Let’s ensure that this legacy is not just a fairytale but a reality for everyone, regardless of who they are.